Gov. Haley Signs Bill Banning Sweepstakes Cafés In South Carolina

COLUMBIA -- Gov. Nikki Haley signed a bill on July 9 that banned sweepstakes cafés in South Carolina, where previous and vague laws kept the venues and their games in a legal limbo.

The new law is designed to close all loopholes that allowed sweepstakes cafés to operate in some jurisdictions. It amends earlier state laws that regulate bingo, raffles and other special events, along with gambling devices. | SEE BILL

In May, the bill passed the South Carolina House by a wide margin, 88-26. Minority Leader Todd Rutherford (D-Richland) was among the few lawmakers who opposed it. Rutherford said it was hypocritical for the state to ban sweepstakes machines while church raffles, scratch cards and other forms of gambling are allowed. He and other lawmakers also view gambling as a potential revenue and job creation source.